Cecropia moth vs Polyphemus moth
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a Cecropia moth from a Polyphemus moth, and whether either one bites or stings.
Cecropia moth
Hyalophora cecropia
Polyphemus moth
Antheraea polyphemus
≠The key differences
Polyphemus has large, round transparent eyespots on the hindwings and lacks the same banded reddish-brown pattern of Cecropia.
Cecropia is larger, has more reddish and white bands and crescent-shaped markings near the wing edges rather than the single large eyespot of Polyphemus.
⚖︎Side by side
| Cecropia moth | Polyphemus moth | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | Wingspan 120-160 mm (12-16 cm) | 11-15 cm wingspan |
| Colours | Reddish-brown, Cream, Black, Orange, Green (larva) | Reddish brown, Tan, Olive-brown, Sky blue (eyespot center) |
| Family | Saturniidae | Saturniidae |
| Habitat | Deciduous woods, woodland edges, parks, suburbs and gardens where host trees grow | Deciduous woodlands, suburban yards, parks and areas with host trees |
| Range | Widespread across much of North America: from southern Canada through much of the United States (ranges vary by local populations) | Widespread across much of the United States and southern Canada, extending into Mexico |
| Active | Adults on wing late spring through summer (timing varies by latitude); mostly night-active (nocturnal) | Spring and early summer (one or two broods depending on latitude); adults are nocturnal |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a Cecropia moth
- Very large wingspan (12-16 cm) with rounded wings and bold bands of white, black and reddish-brown.
- Crescent-shaped pale spots and small crescent eyespots on each wing.
- Males with large feathered antennae; females with somewhat less plumose antennae.
- Large green caterpillars with rows of colored tubercles; pupae inside a brown, papery silken cocoon.
🔍How to spot a Polyphemus moth
- Very large wingspan (11-15 cm) with broad, rounded wings
- Distinctive large circular eyespot on each hindwing with a clear center ringed with yellow, blue and black
- Overall reddish-brown to tan coloration with wavy crosslines across wings
- Males with notably feathered antennae; females with thinner antennae
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Cecropia moth and a Polyphemus moth?
Polyphemus has large, round transparent eyespots on the hindwings and lacks the same banded reddish-brown pattern of Cecropia. Cecropia is larger, has more reddish and white bands and crescent-shaped markings near the wing edges rather than the single large eyespot of Polyphemus.
Is a Cecropia moth or a Polyphemus moth more dangerous?
Cecropia moth: Non-toxic. Polyphemus moth: Non-toxic. Adults and caterpillars are not poisonous and do not sting. Polyphemus moths do not bite or sting.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.